Whopping 82% back more help for elderly

THE vast majority of the public think pensioners should get more support research shows — putting Labour under fresh pressure.

- By Katie Harris Senior Political Correspondent

More than four in five people believe older people in poverty is a problem, said the poll.

An overwhelming 82% said OAPs should get more help and attention from the Government.

And 81% said policies backing pensioners would influence their vote in a general election.

Independent Age head Joanna Elson said: "Voters are acutely aware of the issues impacting older people in poverty, and a huge majority expects the Government to listen and consider their needs.

"With almost two million older people living in poverty, the Government has a moral duty to reduce this number and support those living in financial hardship.

"We know first hand from speaking to the older people in poverty, what an isolating and difficult experience it can be.

"It means going to bed early to stay warm, not washing regularly to save on water, and limiting yourself to one meal a day. This shouldn’t be happening in modern day Britain.

"The Government must address later-life poverty."

Hardship

The poll of more than 2,000 people by Public First was done before Labour's U-turn on the deeply unpopular decision to axe winter fuel payments for most pensioners.